Steering Column Lock

The steering column lock is used to deter vehicle theft by electronically locking the steering column. This prevents the steering wheel from being rotated to turn the front wheels.

The steering column unlocks when:

• the passive entry feature is used to open the driver door.
• the driver door is opened after unlocking the vehicle with a RKE transmitter.
• the START/STOP button is pressed and a valid programmed passive key is detected.
• the remote start feature is activated.

The steering column locks after:

• the ignition is turned off and 45 seconds have elapsed since the delayed accessory feature has turned off.
• 45 seconds have elapsed since the remote feature turns off the vehicle.

The BCM controls the voltage provided to the steering column lock module using a relay (located in the BJB) and communicates with it over a LIN. The BCM monitors input from various systems to determine when to send a command to lock or unlock the steering column. The steering column lock module locks and unlocks the steering column as directed by commands received from the BCM.

If the BCM detects a fault from the steering column lock module or the LIN, the BCM prevents the vehicle from starting.

The BCM does not provide power to the steering column lock module when the vehicle is moving or the engine is running.

Steering Column Lock Messages 

The message center displays a message when the BCM detects a fault from the steering column lock module.

The Steering Malfunction message displays when a fault with the electronic steering column lock system is present and must be diagnosed.

The Turn the wheel while starting message displays when the steering column lock module is unable to unlock the steering column because of a high amount of torque against the lock (such as when the wheels are against a curb when the vehicle is shut off). The torque against the steering column lock must be relieved for the steering column to unlock.

Turn the vehicle off, rotate and hold the steering wheel in one direction while turning the vehicle on. If the message displays again, turn the vehicle off, rotate and hold the steering wheel in the other direction while turning the vehicle on.

Component Description

Push Button Ignition Switch 

The push button ignition switch is a momentary dual contact switch that provides direct input to the BCM and PCM. Both sets of contacts are normally open. When the START/STOP button is pressed, one set of contacts provides a ground signal to the BCM and the other set of contacts supplies voltage to the BCM and the PCM.

The ignition mode LED indicator is located near the top of the START/STOP button and is controlled by the BCM.

The ignition switch is part of the FCIM and cannot be serviced separately.

Steering Column Lock Module 

The steering column lock module locks and unlocks the steering column based on commands received from the BCM. The steering column lock module monitors the position of the steering column lock and, if a fault is detected, reports the failure to the BCM.

When the steering column lock module is replaced, the BCM must configured/trained to the new steering column lock module for the steering column lock module to operate correctly.

The BCM sets a DTC if a fault is detected with the steering column lock module. Additionally, if the BCM is not configured to the steering column lock module, the steering column module keeps the column locked, a programming and/or configuration DTC sets and the vehicle does not start. To configure the BCM to the steering column lock module, Refer to: Anti-Theft Security Access .

BCM 

The BCM controls the run/start relays and sets the vehicle ignition mode based on inputs and communicates the ignition mode to other modules over the CAN. If a fault is detected in the ignition switch system, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) are set in the BCM.

The BCM requires at least 2 keys to be programmed, and the PMI and parameter reset procedures carried out when replaced. Additionally, if equipped with a steering column lock module, the BCM to Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL) configuration must be carried out.